Just days after it was revealed as one of the initial eight priority projects of the Defence Investment Agency (DIA), an initial contract has been awarded to Telesat and MDA by the government for the Enhanced Satellite Communications Project – Polar (ESCP-P).
ESCP-P will be a military satellite communications (MILSATCOM) capability that falls under the Enhanced Satellite Communications Projects DIA space priority.
The ‘fast’ selection of ESCP-P after the recent creation of the DIA is due in part to the long history the project has. The first request for proposals (RFI) was issued on December 4, 2017, eight years ago. After consultations, an 11 page outcome document was released in August 2019. A second RFI follow up 17 page document was released in 2022. (Both are available below.)
This contract, what the government refers to “as a first step,” is “to conduct engineering and options analysis work for ESCP-P.” The value of the contract is $2.92 million and Telesat and MDA Space will work in together on the project.
ESCP-P will be designed to provide wideband and narrowband connectivity in the Arctic and aims to strengthen Arctic security. The government also said the project “demonstrates Canada’s commitment to modernizing military capabilities, supporting NATO and NORAD priorities.”
The procurement process is using a strategic partner model, the government said. That model is meant to “streamlines processes and accelerates timelines, while leveraging industry experience and expertise in the design, development and delivery of defence projects and programs.”
In its press release on the announcement, MDA Space emphasized the Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) benefits saying, “Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy will apply to ESCP-P, ensuring the project will generate high-value jobs in Canada, foster innovation, and strengthen Canada’s domestic space and defence sectors. As a result of the application of the ITB Policy, this strategic partnership will engage Canada’s space ecosystem, including small and medium-sized businesses, to maximize economic opportunities and advance national capabilities.”
Telesat also issued a press release in which they spoke to the scope of the project saying, “The ESCP-P project represents a multi-billion dollar investment by Canada and will act as a catalyst for significant investment, job creation and economic growth in Canada through its world-class space supply chain.”
LGen Jamie Speiser-Blanchet, Commander, Royal Canadian Air Force, said “The Enhanced Satellite Communications Project – Polar will play a critical role in advancing the communications capabilities of the Royal Canadian Air Force and the broader Canadian Armed Forces. The ESCP-P project will significantly enhance our ability to conduct sovereignty operations in the Arctic, supporting the defence of Canada and North America. Through this strategic partnership, the project will deliver secure wideband and narrowband satellite communications capabilities that are essential to fulfilling the RCAF’s continental defence mandate.”